MCCS Co-Hosts Career Exploration “Day of Trades” at Long Creek Youth Development Center

September 30, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event Date: October 21, 2025
RSVP Required by October 7, 2025
Media Contact: Jill O’Brien, Director of Government Affairs
Maine Department of Corrections, jill.r.obrien@maine.gov

Long Creek Youth Development Center and Maine Community Colleges host Day of Trades for Juvenile Residents

Inspiring Possibilities: Career Exploration for Youth at Long Creek

When: Tuesday, October 21, 12:30pm–3:00pm
Where: Long Creek Youth Development Center, 675 Westbrook Street, South Portland, ME
Available for Interviews: MDOC and MCCS Staff.

WHAT: Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC) and the Maine Community College System (MCCS) will host their 2025 “Day of Trades” on Tuesday, October 21, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM in the Long Creek gymnasium.

The event gives youth residents the chance to:

  • Explore careers and training programs offered by Maine’s community colleges
  • Interact with employers in a hands-on, immersive setting
  • Participate in exhibits such as Virtual Reality welding, aquaculture technology, and heavy equipment operation

LC residents can also take personality assessments, review course options, and ask employers questions about potential career paths. Approximately 12 career fields will be represented, providing a wide range of opportunities for skill-building and future planning.

WHY: The “Day of Trades” provides youth in custody with an interactive, educational experience designed to spark curiosity and introduce them to career possibilities in today’s workforce. Events like this are crucial for helping residents envision a future beyond Long Creek, connect with educational programs, and engage with employers in a supportive environment.

By exposing residents to a variety of trades and skills, the event:

  • Inspires hope and confidence
  • Encourages exploration of new opportunities
  • Supports their preparation for successful reintegration into their communities

RSVP

RSVP by October 7, 2025, to Jill O’Brien with the following for each participant:

  • Media outlet
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Last four digits of Social Security number

Media Access & Participation Guidelines:

  • Pre-Screening: Submit full name, date of birth, and driver’s license state/number to Jill O’Brien, r.obrien@maine.gov, by October 7, 2025.
  • Equipment Log: Provide a complete list of gear in advance; all equipment will be checked in/out by security staff. Check-in could take more than 20 minutes. Please plan your arrival accordingly.
  • Facility Access:
    • Closed event — not open to the public
    • Attendance limited to LCYDC residents and staff, MCCS staff, and pre-approved media
    • All media must pass the pre-screening background check
  • Coverage Rules:
    • Filming, photography, or interviews with youth residents is strictly prohibited
    • MDOC and MCCS staff available for interviews

Legal and Privacy Notice — Youth in custody are legally protected and may not be publicly identified:

  • Federal laws (FERPA, HIPAA) prohibit sharing identifiable information or images.
  • Maine law (15 M.R.S. § 3308-A) strictly limits the release of identifying information about juveniles and prohibits any disclosure without court approval.
  • LCYDC policy forbids any filming or identification of youth to ensure their safety and privacy.
  • Violations may result in removal from the event and potential legal action.

Note on Audio and Visual Recording: Ambient crowd noise with unidentifiable and indistinguishable youth residents may be captured during the event. Any identifiable audio or visual recording of youth residents is strictly prohibited. Media must ensure that no youth are visible or clearly heard in any footage. Any incidental appearance must be blurred or otherwise obscured to protect privacy, in accordance with state and federal law.

 

About Long Creek Youth Development Center

Long Creek Youth Development Center, operated by the Maine Department of Corrections, is the state’s only secure facility for justice-involved youth. Located in South Portland, LCYDC provides a structured environment with access to education, mental health care, and personal development programs. The center’s goal is to empower young people to make lasting, positive changes and reduce recidivism.
https://www.maine.gov/corrections/longcreek

 

About the Maine Community College System

Maine’s seven community colleges are the smart and affordable choice for lifelong learning in Maine. The colleges serve more than 33,000 people a year, through two-year associate degree and one-year certificate programs, short-term workforce training, early college programs, advanced certificates, and other learning opportunities. Learn more at www.mccs.me.edu. Short-term workforce training programs are run through our Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.

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